Mike Keenan and Mike Pelino will lead the KHL World Team at the Channel 1 Cup

The KHL introduces the coaching staff for its import select roster.

Mike Keenan, who led Metallurg to its first Gagarin Cup triumph, will be head coach of the KHL World Team at the upcoming Channel 1 Cup. The 75-year-old Canadian is the only coach to win both Stanley and Gagarin Cups in a career that saw him win 84 out of 166 games behind the bench in Magnitogorsk before moving for a shorter spell with Kunlun Red Star (35 games, 11 wins).

Mike Keenan, KHL World Team head coach:

- Mike Pelino and I are excited about the start of the Channel 1 Cup and the chance to work with a select team of imports. It’s going to be an interesting international tournament with three strong teams from Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. We don’t have much time to prepare, but we’ll do all we can to get our guys playing good hockey and being competitive in this tournament. I’m looking forward to my trip to Russia and I’ll be happy to catch up with some old friends.

Mike Pelino twice won the Gagarin Cup with Metallurg as an assistant coach in 2014 and 2016. As well as his time with Metallurg, the 65-year-old worked for Avangard, Lokomotiv and Ak Bars. In 2019-2020 he had 50 games as head coach at Lokomotiv. 

Mike Pelino, KHL World Team assistant coach:

- During my time in the KHL I had a unique coaching experience and I’m delighted to come back to Russia to work with the World Team. It’s great to be working with Mike Keenan again at the Channel 1 Cup. I’m looking forward to taking on the best players in the KHL in one of the world’s biggest arenas and once again experiencing the passion and energy of the Petersburg public.

The Channel 1 Cup runs from Dec. 12-15 in St. Petersburg. On the first gameday, the KHL World Team takes on Russia 25, while Belarus faces Kazakhstan. Tickets are already on sale and can be purchased.